The Dallas Cowboys have undergone significant changes to their defensive line this offseason, sparking both excitement and questions among fans and analysts alike. Amid notable departures, team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has proactively bolstered the defensive front, seeking to maintain and enhance the team's competitiveness.
The Cowboys were hit hard by the loss of several key players, including edge rushers Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, and interior defensive lineman Neville Gallimore, all of whom have signed with other NFL teams. Armstrong and Fowler's decisions to join the Washington Commanders particularly impacted the Cowboys, as both players were essential to the team's defensive strategies last season. Meanwhile, Hankins and Gallimore secured contracts with the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins, respectively.
Strategic Moves by Jerry Jones
In a bid to quickly fill the gaps left by these departures, Jones executed a trade on August 15 with the New York Giants. The Cowboys acquired veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a future seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move was followed by the signing of veteran free agent edge rusher Carl Lawson, as Jones continued to seek experienced players to strengthen the defensive line.
Adding Veteran Presence: Linval Joseph
One of the most substantial moves by the Cowboys has been the signing of 14-year NFL veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph. Joseph brings a wealth of experience to Dallas, having played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills throughout his illustrious career. At 35 years old, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 329 pounds, Joseph's physical presence alone commands respect on the field.
Selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Giants, Joseph has accumulated impressive career statistics. Over 186 career games, which include 170 starts, he has recorded 26.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 57 tackles for loss, and 676 total tackles. His performance earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2016 and 2017 during his tenure with the Vikings. Moreover, he was a key contributor to the Giants' Super Bowl-winning squad in his second NFL season in 2011.
Joseph's one-year contract with the Cowboys includes $2.5 million guaranteed and can reach up to $4 million with incentives. Beyond his on-field contributions, Joseph is expected to play a crucial mentoring role for the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Smith stands to benefit significantly from Joseph’s vast knowledge and experience, potentially accelerating his development and impact on the team.
The Defensive Outlook
While Joseph's addition and the other offseason moves have certainly fortified the defensive line, the Cowboys remain keenly aware of the challenges ahead. Dallas's run defense allowed an average of 112.4 rushing yards per game last season, placing them 16th in the NFL. With the new additions, the Cowboys aim to improve these metrics, enhancing their overall defensive efficiency and reliability.
In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have made concerted efforts to rebuild and enhance their defensive line by bringing in experienced talent and making strategic trades. With the integration of seasoned veterans like Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph, coupled with promising young talents such as Mazi Smith, the Cowboys are positioned to navigate the upcoming season with reinforced vigor. Fans will undoubtedly watch with anticipation to see how these changes unfold on the field.